Neuroscience

Overview

Neuroscientists within the College of Veterinary Medicine are conducting cutting edge integrative basic and translational research with clinical relevance, including mechanisms by which environmental factors interact with the genetic background to induce neurological diseases. Research areas range from whole animal behavior to the cellular, epigenetic and genetic levels. The unique combination of strong research and teaching, the presence of clinical neurology and expertise in neuropathology within CVM and the multiple core research laboratories allow this group to be uniquely placed to advance our knowledge base in mechanisms of neurological disease. The four main focus areas are: Basic neuroscience, Neurodevelopmental disorders, Neurological diseases, and Neurotoxicology.

Neurological diseases:

Neurodegenerative/neuro-oncological diseases/neurotrauma: Alzheimer’s disease, , meningoencephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis, macular degeneration, neuromuscular diseases, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and tumors of the nervous system. Infectious diseases of the nervous system induced by retroviruses and picornaviruses are also under investigation and the role of psychological stress in susceptibility to diseases of the nervous system.

Neurotoxicology:

The impact of environmental toxicants on neural development, neuroepigenetics, neurodegenerative diseases and the onset of puberty. The toxicants under current investigation include: lead, mercury, cadmium, manganese, organophosphorous compounds, and alcohol.